Is it possible to grow flowering bulbs in southeast Asia?

Question

I'd like to grow bulbs like crocus, hyacinths, daffodils, etc. (and perhaps saffron), but will they survive here? What if it's someplace that's 14-18 degrees Celsius on average during the day and receives a lot of rainfall (still in southeast Asia). I'm thinking Cameron Highlands/Janda Baik (Gombak) in Malaysia, since I live here. They did manage to grow tulips in Fraser's Hill (first time it's grown in Asia, they say).

Okay, I take it the general answer's yes. Now, the only problem remaining is... Where can I get a bulb? ^_^ Also, do the bulbs bloom only once? And how do I propagate them?

P.S. We don't have winters here, just the monsoon season.

Answer 1

The simple answer is "yes." You have the same situation that we confront in the Deep South here is the U.S. (think the lower peninsula of Florida, New Orleans, or Houston, for example). Bulbs usually produce without trouble through zone 8 (roughly the northern coastal areas of Florida, for comparison). BUT you can actually grow almost anything frm a bulb if you remember to provide it--trick it, actually--with an "artificial" winter.

To do this, place your bulbs in the "crisper" or on a lower shelf of your refrigerator. They should remain there for at least 45 days (this "tells" the bubls that they have experienced a winter freeze of sorts). Thereafter, you are ready to plant.

HINT: do NOT place your bulbs in a refrigeration unit along with such fruits and veggies as apples and the like. The fruits give off an ethanol-based gas that is readily absorbed by your bulbs. Worse, this gas is lethal to bulbed plants--you will not get anyting to grow once exposed.

When planting, be certain that you plant on a slope or inclined plain for best results, as bulbs prefer wet but well-drained soil. If your soil is "clay-ish," add equal parts of decaying vegetation (decaying leaves, compost, even animal dropping) with sand (this allows for moisture to drain--but as a drawback, it also allows for much of the nutrients in the soil to flow away, as well), and did your planting bed to a depth of some 20 cm. (this facilitates better root growth.) Bulbs such as tulips require that you place them about 13 cm below soil level. Those like daffodils, crocus and hyacinth grow best when planted at about 7 cm below the soil line. And if you try to grow irises (and you can!), remember to place the tuber in the soil, barely cover and allow for some exposure to the air.

Water your bulbs daily--if and only if you are not having rain. Otherwise, make certain that the soil is well-drained, yet moist.

An done last suggestion, when planting bulbs, plant a circle of daffodil bulbs around your bed as a sort of "protective fencing." Daffodils are poisonous if eaten--and therefore deter wildlife from coming in and feasting on your hard work.

The BEST of Luck! Gombak is a beautiful area--and should pose few problems for the creative bulb-enthusiast!

Answer 2

You should be able to grow bulbs in that part of the world; however, if your winters are mild, you will need to refrigerate the bulbs for about 14 weeks before planting them, so that they will have the necessary period of dormancy. Without this dormancy, they will not bloom. I used to have to do this when I lived in Texas, which has very hot weather in the summer, and a relatively mild winter as compared to the areas to which many bulb plants are native. I know lots of people who purchase an old refrigerator specifically for this purpose, and keep it out in a garage or greenhouse. You can also force most bulbs this way, although most bulbs (except amaryllis) can only be forced once. Happy growing!

Answer 3

no . the list you submit for your humid tropical ( regardless of the highlands ) i do sincerely believe that those bulbs will not work (they don't like to get their 'feet ' to wet )
why don't you try a variety of hippeastrums ; conditioned for that environment , and plenty of varieties . you could also try leopard lillies , quite showy and plenty of regeneration . good luck .